2. amps-preamps
  3. 1112244182

Give me a tube preamp that looks and sound great

Just looking for a tube preamp that is quiet, has great extension and realism, and is aroung 2000 USD. I've got an Audio Research SP 16L now and want to take things a step above. I use an Odyssey Dual mono amp and Dynaudio Contour 1.3 MKII speakers. I've begun to investigate the Supratek Chardonnay and Dehavillard preamps. My styles of listening run the gamet with focus on rock, jazz, and folk. Thanks to all for you opinions. I do like the look of outboard tubes too.
canucks0
wellfed's avatar
wellfed
690 posts
 
I think a used Atma-Sphere MP-3 would thrill you to no end. I haven't heard the Supratek or deHavilland to offer any comparison.

Since the Atma-Sphere unit has balanced outputs you would probably want to use balanced to single-ended transformers if your amps don't allow for balanced operation. You can also use the tape loop outputs for single-ended operation.
kw6
692 posts
 
Hi,

I use to own the SP16L. I now own the c-j !7LS Series 2. The SP16L is good hi-fi and the 17LS is music!

Good Luck!
spacekadet
63 posts
 
McIntosh C2200. Very musical tube preamp.
hack
185 posts
 
I had a few different ARC's and moved up to a BAT 30 preamp three years ago. I'm very satisfied with the preamp, even bought a 3i for a second system.
lak's avatar
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lak
4,642 posts
 
Sonic Euphoria or Placette Passive

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ddpreatran&1115845347
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